Derrick Hill Chooses Cal

Jim McGill

01/07/2006

[NOTE: New Video Added] After many months of great anticipation, local favorite Derrick Hill made it official by announcing at the U.S. Army All American Bowl in San Antonio that he will become a California Golden Bear.

"Next year, I'll be attending the University of California," said Hill as he announced his decision for the Bears in a 2nd quarter
announcement during the game. "

SEE NEW VIDEO at foot of this article.

As he made his announcement, Hill threw a few people off when he gestured towards the Arizona baseball cap, but then
he picked up the Cal baseball cap and put it on his head as the Cal fight song played in the background."

"It feels good. It feels real good," said Hill to the Bear Insider shortly after making the announcement. "I feel like I'm back home
already. With my homeboys at Cal - Kyle, Marshawn and a couple other cats...it's
gonna be fun being a Bear."

The 4th-rated defensive tackle and 44th-rated player overall in the nation, Hill became
Cals first 5-star commit to the Bears in 2006, joining last years crop of 5-star
athletes committed to Cal in DeSean Jackson along with JCs Desmond BishopLavelle Hawkins and Joe Ayoob.

A tireless worker on the field with a non-stop motor, the 6-3/280 DT from McClymonds
could quite possibly play his way into the rotation early in next seasons defensive
line. McClymonds 15 sacks, 105 tackles (45 for loss) and six forced fumbles led a dominant
Mack defense this season for the Bay Areas #2 rated squad. Hill will add depth to a
DT position expecting to possibly miss starting DT Matt Malele to injury for at least part of next season for the Bears. A player largely in the mold of star DT Brandon Mebane,
Hill could help give the Bears the extra push up the middle they need to raise their pass
rush to another level.

Despite a TV report that said that Hill was an early USC commit, Hill dispelled that
with comments that he made to the Bear Insider in November.

"No way," stated Hill, emphatically. "For one thing, I have an agreement
that the decision would be made with my parents and we're nowhere near that point right
now. I wouldn't do that to them and I won't make a decision till I know my heart is set on
the school I commit to."

Hill was an anchor for McClymonds, which had one of its best seasons with an OAL
Championship, a Silver Bowl trophy, and a win over L.A. City Section Champion Crenshaw.

\"Next year, I'll be attending the University of California,\" said Hill as he announced his decision for the Bears in a 2nd quarter announcement during the game. "

SEE NEW VIDEO at foot of this article.

As he made his announcement, Hill threw a few people off when he gestured towards the Arizona baseball cap, but then he picked up the Cal baseball cap and put it on his head as the Cal fight song played in the background."

[MEDIA:284503]

\"It feels good. It feels real good,\" said Hill to the Bear Insider shortly after making the announcement. \"I feel like I'm back home already. With my homeboys at Cal - Kyle, Marshawn and a couple other cats...it's gonna be fun being a Bear.\"

The 4th-rated defensive tackle and 44th-rated player overall in the nation, Hill became Cals first 5-star commit to the Bears in 2006, joining last years crop of 5-star athletes committed to Cal in DeSean Jackson along with JCs Desmond BishopLavelle Hawkins and Joe Ayoob.

A tireless worker on the field with a non-stop motor, the 6-3/280 DT from McClymonds could quite possibly play his way into the rotation early in next seasons defensive line. McClymonds 15 sacks, 105 tackles (45 for loss) and six forced fumbles led a dominant Mack defense this season for the Bay Areas #2 rated squad. Hill will add depth to a DT position expecting to possibly miss starting DT Matt Malele to injury for at least part of next season for the Bears. A player largely in the mold of star DT Brandon Mebane, Hill could help give the Bears the extra push up the middle they need to raise their pass rush to another level.

Despite a TV report that said that Hill was an early USC commit, Hill dispelled that with comments that he made to the Bear Insider in November.

"No way," stated Hill, emphatically. "For one thing, I have an agreement that the decision would be made with my parents and we're nowhere near that point right now. I wouldn't do that to them and I won't make a decision till I know my heart is set on the school I commit to."

Hill was an anchor for McClymonds, which had one of its best seasons with an OAL Championship, a Silver Bowl trophy, and a win over L.A. City Section Champion Crenshaw.